A MAN who had tried to shoplift at an Ellesmere Port store did so in full view of a police officer.

Lee James Hawkins, 42, of Brentwood Street, Wallasey, tried to steal £66 worth of meat from the Food Warehouse on Thursday, January 20, Chester Magistrates Court heard the following day.

The court heard Hawkins had also been due to appear in Caernarfon Magistrates Court on two drug-driving matters dating back to August 24, 2021, but he had failed to attend court and a warrant for his arrest had been issued.

Having been arrested on January 20, Hawkins spent the night in custody to appear before District Judge Nicholas Sanders the following day, where he admitted all charges at the earliest opportunity.

He admitted having driven on the A5 at Britannia Bridge, Anglesey, in a Citroen Relay van, while having more than the legal limit for cocaine and cannabis.

Prosecuting, Amie Gouldson said it was at 1.50pm on August 24 when police stop-checked the vehicle, and Hawkins confirmed he had taken cannabis the previous day.

For the shoplifting, Hawkins was at the Food Warehouse at the same time as a police officer happened to be in the store on an unrelated matter.

Hawkins filled his basket with meat products and the officer's attention was drawn to him as he looked to be "in a dishevelled state".

The officer saw Hawkins head to the entrance aisle, appearing anxious and in a hurry to go out.

When the officer confronted Hawkins, the defendant was asked if he had paid for the items, to which he replied he had not.

Hawkins had 32 previous convictions for 80 offences, 45 of them thefts, but none for drug-driving.

Defending, Chris Hunt said Hawkins had, in the past, been more of a prolific shoplifter, but had not been before the courts since July 2020.

The shoplifting was "opportunistic" and he was "distinctly unfortunate" to do it at the same time as a police officer was present.

Hawkins did not know he was supposed to be in Caernarfon's court in November last year.

Since being arrested, Hawkins had spent 24 hours in custody.

District Judge Sanders fined Hawkins £120 for the drug-driving and banned him from driving for 12 months.

Hawkins must also pay £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

For the shoplifting, DJ Sanders sentenced Hawkins to one day's detention, which was deemed served by the time the court case concluded.